E-commerce Protection: Combating Unfair Competition and Promoting Consumer Rights
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35516/Law.2026.13743Keywords:
Electronic Store, Digital Trader, Electronic ConsumerAbstract
Objectives: This study aims to analyze the legislative framework in the United Arab Emirates governing e-commerce, with a focus on the Commercial Transactions Law related to the use of modern technological means, the Consumer Protection Law, and the Competition Regulation Law. The study also addresses the issue of balancing the protection of companies from unlawful practices, such as algorithm manipulation, with ensuring consumer rights in a digital environment characterized by inequality.
Methods: The study adopted the comparative analytical approach by examining relevant legal texts in order to identify legislative gaps and unlawful practices in e-commerce, while enhancing consumer protection in digital stores.
Results: The study found that traditional legal concepts need to be redefined to suit the unique nature of the digital commercial environment. It also showed that unfair competition in the digital sphere takes new forms that require modern regulatory tools. In addition, the findings highlighted the weak position of the electronic consumer in contractual relationships, emphasizing the need for stronger legal protection throughout all stages of electronic contracting.
Conclusions: The study recommended the need to update UAE legislation to include an integrated legal framework containing precise definitions for technical concepts such as “electronic domain” and “commercial algorithm.” It also recommended establishing implementing regulations for digital commercial practices, strengthening the role of the judiciary in developing tort liability rules within the electronic environment, and expanding the scope of legal protection to include technical aspects and personal data associated with electronic stores.
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